The
United States has invited India to
participate in a futuristic
private-public project, called the
FutureGen that will build a coal-based
power generation plant that will have
zero carbon emissions at a cost of USD
950 million. India is the first one
from the 22-nation Carbon
Sequestration Leadership Forum (CSLF),
a voluntary climate initiative, to
join in this project.

India
is home to large coal reserves and
plans to use coal in the medium and
long-term
for power generation on cost considerations.
Absence of other forms of energy that
will meet this huge energy requirement
is another major consideration for
India to pursue coal-based energy
generation. The major downside to this
strategy is the emission of greenhouse
gases that will bring major climatic
changes affecting rain patterns, snow
levels, and quality of rain. If this
project is successful, the major
benefit will be the lack of
environmental cost to the nation.

Listing
the benefits of the project to India, US Assistant
Secretary of Energy Jeffrey Jarret said Indian
companies might also join the project at a future date
and benefit from this technology demonstrator.
Besides, the reports and data collected on optimal
ways of generating power will be shared with all
members of this project. He also highlighted that this
participation was independent of the Indo-US civilian
nuclear deal and does not require Congressional
approval.

The
estimated cost of the project is USD 950 million out
of which private sector portion is targeted to be USD
250 million. India plans to invest USD 10 million
initially.